Local artiste Rizal Rasid joined other Southeast Asian performers in Busan, South Korea for a two-night concert commemorating the 35th anniversary of Korea-ASEAN ties.
Rizal, in an interview with the Bulletin, said, “It feels surreal to me. It feels like a dream because I’ve always wanted to perform in Korea because I’m an avid fan of Korean music. Performing on such a big stage in Korea is a dream come true.
“Alhamdulillah, the Korean audience are beyond expectations. They were very supportive towards me and my music despite not understanding the language. They showed they were enjoying my music by cheering and dancing. They even waited for me outside the hall to greet me before I left. For me, that was one of the sweetest moments.” The Round in ASEAN-Korea Music Festival was co-hosted by KBS broadcaster and the ASEAN Culture House under the Korea Foundation at KBS Busan Hall on July 6 and 7.
GOT7’s BamBam hosted the event with the lineup including Kim Yoon-ah from Jaurim bands Nell, Touched and Nerd Connection as well as K-pop group H1-KEY.
ASEAN artistes at the concert included Zack Tabudlo from the Philippines and Jasmine Sokko from Singapore along with singers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Organisers said the event, free of charge to festival goers, was aimed at expanding cultural exchange and deepening ties between Korea and ASEAN member states through music.
Chairman Kim Ki-hwan said, “Exchanges in music and the arts are attractive ways to naturally connect the young people in the Korea-ASEAN region and enhance cultural solidarity.” – Azlan Othman
